Penicillium

/Pen·i·cil·li·um/ (-sil´e-um) a genus of fungi.

penicillium

(pĕn′ĭ-sĭl′ē-əm)

n.pl.peni·cilliums or peni·cillia(-sĭl′ē-ə)

Any of various characteristically bluish-green fungi of the genus Penicillium that grow as molds on decaying fruits and ripening cheese and are used in the production of antibiotics such as penicillin and in making cheese.

Penicillium

[pen′isil′ē·əm]

Etymology: L, penicillus, paintbrush

a genus of imperfect fungi, some species of which have been tentatively linked to disease in humans, most notably in immunocompromised patients. Many species are commonly found in the human environment. Penicillin G is obtained from Penicillium chrysogenum and P. notatum.

Penicillium species

Pen·i·cil·li·um

(pen'i-sil'ē-ŭm)

A genus of fungi, some species of which yield various antibiotic substances and biologicals. See: penicillus

Penicillium

(pĕn″ĭ-sĭl′ē-ŭm) [L. penicillum, brush]

PENICILLIUM IN CULTURE

A genus of molds belonging to the Ascomycetes (sac fungi). They form the blue molds that grow on fruits, bread, and cheese. A number of species (P. chrysogenum, P. notatum) are the source of penicillin. Occasionally in humans they produce infections of the external ear, skin, or respiratory passageways. They are common allergens. See: illustration

Penicillium marneffei

A species that may cause systemic infections, esp. in immunocompromised patients. It is found most often in Southeast Asia, where it frequently infects patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

illustration

Penicillium

One of a range of common blue-green moulds of the genus Penicillium , that grow on decaying fruits and ripening cheese. Penicillium species such as P. notatum and P. rubrum were originally studied by Fleming in investigating the properties of the antibiotic penicillin. (Alexander Fleming, 1881–1955, Scottish bacteriologist).

Pen·i·cil·li·um

(pen'i-sil'ē-ŭm)

Fungal genus; some species yield various antibiotic substances and biologicals.

Penicillium

a genus of mold-forming fungi that grow on stored feed and in growing plants. Some produce antibiotics, some can be opportunistic pathogens and some produce mycotoxins, including patulin.

Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium notatum

cultures of these fungi produce penicillin.

Penicillium citreo-viride

produces the neurotoxin citreoviridin which causes paralysis, convulsions and death in humans eating contaminated yellow rice. Resembles beriberi, thought originally to be due to thiamin deficiency.

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